And if the stuff in our pockets is causing discomfort throughout the day, it can be super annoying (even if it's just mild discomfort).

The solution, of course, is to use a key organizer to “tame” your key situation and make them easier to carry around all day.

Now, there are many different key organizers available for purchase online. Some are made from brands that specialize in accessories and EDC, while other are made by companies that focus specifically on key organization.

If you search Google for any variation of “best key organizers” you'll find a bunch of round up articles that list the top 5, 10 or 20 options.

The problem is, in my research, I couldn't find anyone that actually tested all of the most popular options to see which one is really the best.

Since I'm extremely particular about my EDC and possible a bit obsessive about organization, I decided to get to the bottom of this, once and for all.

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The Review Process

My plan went as follows:

Identify the most popular key organizers on the market

Reach out to these brands and ask for samples (this helps keep my costs down)

Unbox each product

Set up each product (at least twice)

Use each product for a week

Make video / write this article

I'm happy to say that this plan went off without a hitch. I'm also happy to report that the brands I reached out to were kind enough to provide free samples for review – all of them.

I'm very grateful for this, as it helps keep my production cost down. So kudos to these brands for working with me on this.

Before we dive into each key organizer, you need to know a couple of general points:

#1: These are all great options

The products I tested are the best of the best. There are hundreds of key organizers out there, including many “me too” products and rip offs.

The brands included in this article are consistently rated very highly. They're all great options and, in my opinion, they're all a huge improvement over just carrying your keys on a key ring.

#2: You'll sacrifice some convenience

Key organizers make your keys more comfortable to carry, but they don't make your keys easier to use.

Not pretty or comfortable in the pocket, but very easy to use!

When it comes to actually using your keys (taking them out of your pocket and unlocking a door), all of these organizers add an extra step.

In this regard, some organizers are better than others (more on this later), but they all add this extra step.

#3: It depends on your key setup

In general, less keys is better. Most of these organizers work better for people who either don't own a car or who drive a modern car with keyless entry.

My setup = plastic car key + car FOB + house key + office key

If, like me, your car has a thick plastic key and a fob, some of these organizers will be harder to use.

On the other hand, if you don't have any car key, or you have a car that only requires a fob (or has the buttons built into the key), these products will work better.

I found that most key organizers weren't designed to work with my setup – a thick plastic car key, separate fob and a couple of loose keys.

#4: These work great with EDC extras

If you're the type of guy who like to carry a small knife, bottle opener, USB stick or multitool, you'll love using a key organizer. Come to think of it, you probably already have one…

Many of these products can accommodate EDC extras like multitools and knives, without adding any bulk to your setup.

The Best Key Organizers

Okay, let's get into this. Here are the products I tried out, along with their general ratings across various categories:

Price

Ease of setup

Ease of use

Pocket comfort

Aesthetics

Customizability

Feel free to sort by any of these criteria. Note that this table uses a three point rating system. For a given category, three keys is the best possible score.

Note: I had included “build quality” as a line item in this table, but in my opinion, all of these products receive five stars for build quality. These are durable, well built devices that should last for many, many years.

KeySmart Pro

KeySmart Pro is the version with Tile built in for “find my keys” tracking using your smart phone. It's a nice feature, but I probably wouldn't pay extra for it since I don't often lose things.

KeySmart Pro with Tile built in to find your keys

If you lose your wallet or keys a lot, having Tile tracking built into your key organizer could be a life saver!

KeySmart Pro is very similar to Keybar and Keyport Pivot. It's a hard shell with space for your keys and various tools, plus a ring on the outside for your FOB and anything else that doesn't fit inside.

KeySmart executes this design nicely. The keys rotate smoothly, and the bottle opener / FOB ring is a very practical touch.

Two drawbacks are the design and size. The KeySmart Pro is slightly bulkier than some of the other hard shell options, and the branding is a little loud (at last for my taste).

When it comes to KeySmart vs. Keybar vs. Keyport Pivot, it's really up to personal preference. All three of these do the same basic thing n slightly different ways, and they all do it well.

This vs. That

Maybe you've already decided which key organizer is best for you, or maybe you've narrowed it down to two choices.

Here are some common comparisons among the top key organizers:

KeySmart vs. Keybar

There are three big differences here. First, the KeySmart Pro has Tile built in, which lets you find your lost keys.

Second, the Keybar comes with an optional pocket clip.

Third, the Keybar (metal version) is substantially heavier than the KeySmart Pro (which is made mostly out of plastic).

For some people, one of these features will be the deciding factor.

KeySmart vs. Keyport

The KeySmart Pro and Keyport Pivot are very similar. The biggest difference between these two products is the customization options you get with the Pivot.

If you're trying to decide between the KeySmart and Keyport Slide, that's a different story. The Slide will take more effort to set up, but it's highly customizable and can be used with one hand.

On the other hand, Keysmart is easy to set up and can be used with your existing keys.

Both of these make your keys easier to carry around all day.

Orbitkey vs. Keybar

There are three important difference to consider…

First, the Orbitkey is made from soft materials (leather, canvas, etc.). This means it's very light and flexible, which makes is easy to carry but harder to turn (when you actually use your keys).

Second, the Orbitkey is easier to set up and add/remove keys.

Third, the Keybar has a pocket clip, while the Orbitkey does not.

Orbitkey vs. Bellroy Key Cover

Unlike the hard shelled products that are made from metal or plastic (Keysmart, Keybar, Keyport, etc.), the Orbitkey and Bellroy Key Cover are made from soft materials like leather and canvas.

This is why these two organizers are so comfy to carry in your pocket, and also very stylish.

Both products are very easy to use and can be used with one hand, although the Bellroy is noticeably easier, which is important if you often have your hands full with work stuff, groceries or kids.

If you really like carrying a multitool or knife, Orbitkey may be a slightly better option for you.

Closing Thoughts

Like I said at the beginning of this review, these are all great products. If you're unhappy with your current EDC and hate the feeling of loose keys in your pocket, any of these key organizers will be an upgrade.

You will sacrifice some functionality when you put your keys on an organizer. It adds an extra step to the process of actually using your keys to turn on a car or unlock a door.

To minimize this inconvenience, you can go with the Bellroy Key Cover or Keyport Slide. But even then, you have to factor in setting up and removing keys.

I recommend buying your top 1-2 choices and testing them out in the real world. You'll figure out very quickly which key organizer is best for your needs.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below!

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About Brock

Founding editor of The Modest Man, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his wife and family, traveling and creating great content. You can follow Brock on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

What early 2000s Honda are you rocking? I’m in an S2000 and noticed we have the same key and fob. A video on looking stylish and dressing for your convertible would be appreciated. Probably not the click machine you are looking for though.

The Bellroy broke on me in 4 months. Three regular keys on one side and a kryptonite bike lock on the other side. Very disappointed in the quality. I now use a Phigvel Makers & Co key case and it is great. You can even pick one up off amazon now